Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/456364
Polished Performer Keeps Crowds Coming Back B ryan Diamond quotes a 2014 commencement address made by comedic actor Jim Carrey when discussing his own musical career : "…you can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love." Diamond took that chance more than four decades ago. By all accounts, it's worked out well. "I've been able to sustain myself and my kids by playing guitar and singing," the always-upbeat, friendly and engaging musician says. "I consider that a win." The diminutive troubadour arrived on the Monterey Peninsula via bus from the San Fernando Valley. He had been playing around his hometown in a duo, performing originals, trying to break into the record biz. "That was 1975. My brother was here; I came to visit before starting college," Diamond says. Within a week, he was offered a steady gig at the Hatchcover, a Carmel restaurant/nightclub. One gig let to another, and he's still onstage, still doing what he loves best: playing guitar and entertaining crowds. Few Monterey Peninsula musicians have demonstrated the longevity that Diamond has. He worked at The Tinnery (at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove) for 12 years and held down Wednesday nights at Monterey's Mucky Duck for nine. He's currently on his ninth year at Traps at the Inn at Spanish Bay. "I end up being the house entertainment wherever I go," he laughs. "I like to say I'm on a non-stop Monterey World Tour…except I never have to leave home." Though he typically plays solo—and without a net—Diamond occasionally adds other players, most notably with "Peace Train," a six-piece band that performs the songs of Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens. The young Diamond spent his early years learning songs by Stevens, the Beatles, Neil Young and other classic songwriters—tunes that he performs to this day. "At the time, I did- n't know I was learning a career." Bryan Diamond's complete schedule is at www.bryandiamond.com. —Michael Chatfield SHORTCUTS MUSIC 80 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 Singer, songwriter and guitarist Bryan Diamond has been one of the Peninsula's busiest per- formers since the early 1980s. With steady gigs in several ven- ues, he's still going strong. "I've been lucky," he says. "I caught a wave and rode it." Photo: Kelli Uldall